Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 26 May 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation is planning to revive the country’s first-ever nuclear reactor project that was halted in 2010, and take over the custodianship from Eskom. According to News24, Necsa wants to use the pebble bed modular reactor for nuclear fuel production and power production. Necsa CEO, Sengiphile Simelane, says the nuclear fuel production will happen at its Pelindaba facility in North West, which will need to be operational again. He adds the facility also requires an operating licence from the National Nuclear Regulator.

# SANParks’ biodiversity offset bank has been praised as a vital instrument for the country’s sustainable growth. It aims to expand protected areas while assisting developers in meeting their environmental, social and governance goals. The banks operate by creating a supply of conservation and restoration projects. Developers can purchase biodiversity credits to compensate for the unavoidable impacts of development projects. The United Nations Development Programme’s Nokuthula Mhene says biodiversity protection contributes directly to national prosperity:

# And finally: The North American Electric Reliability Corporation is warning that America faces a serious blackout threat this summer. This is due to rising electricity demand, sectors originally powered by fossil fuels becoming electrified, and widespread adoption of electric vehicles as well as heat pumps amongst other things. Midwest, Texas, New England, and parts of Canada are at the highest risk. Experts say a massive investment is needed in making renewable energy reliable and more widespread to cover the shortfall from fossil fuels.

Stay tuned for more news………….